BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Even though Markham Park & Target Range (16001 W State Rd. 84, Sunrise 33326; 954-357-8868) is perched right on the edge of the Everglades, nature may not be the first thing you think of in association with the park. The park boasts a number of well-used attractions: boat ramps, a campground, a disc golf course, a dog park, and mountain bike trails. It’s also home to such unique features as the Fox Observatory, a personal-watercraft lake, and, of course, its target range.

Last fall, a new slate of Saturday programs called attention to the park’s nature trail and butterfly garden. This month, another round of nature-related programming begins, starting with a Butterfly Garden Expedition, to be offered from 10 to 11AM on July 20th. A week later, on July 27th, also from 10 to 11AM, The Everglades & Beyond features a walk along one of the park’s nature trails to learn about the unique Everglades ecosystem and how it came to be.

August offerings include IncrEDIBLE Plants: Everglades Survival (10-11AM, August 24th), which invites you to explore one of the nature trails to learn about the uses of Everglades plants and how the Native Americans used them; and a New-Moon Hike (8-9PM, August 31st), which lets you check out the park at night and learn about the moon and nocturnal animals you may encounter, ending at the Fox Observatory, where members of the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association will lead a telescopic exploration of the night sky.

In September, experience a Dog-Friendly Nature Hike, from 10 to 11AM on the 21st; you and your furry friend will walk along the pine forest and learn about the native and exotic species in the area (one dog per adult handler, on a six-foot leash). On the 28th, another New-Moon Hike will be offered, from 8 to 9PM.

All programs are led by a Parks naturalist and are suitable for all ages. They start at the park office. Participants are urged to wear closed-toe shoes and bring drinking water, insect repellent, and, for daytime programs, sunscreen. The fee is $5 per person, and the park’s regular weekend gate fee ($1.50/person, ages 5 and under free) will also be in effect. For additional information, call the park at 954-357-8868.

Recreation. Preservation. Education.

About the Parks and Recreation Division
Broward County Parks manages almost 6,500 acres, encompassing nearly 50 regional parks and nature centers, neighborhood parks, and natural areas at various stages of development. Hours and fees vary by location. Visit Broward.org/Parks for details. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event.

DATE: July 3, 2019      
GENERAL MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Mills
Parks and Recreation Division
PHONE: 954-357-8115
CONTACT FOR THIS PROGRAM/EVENT:
Markham, 954-357-8868